How important is working experience?

[meow123]

Hey guys, I have a question again.

I am thinking of applying to some Master's programs in Psychology as backups. And all that I can find in 'good' schools is educational psychology. I mean, if I were to pay over $30000 a year for a master's degree, I'd better do it in a high ranking school.

I am just wondering if anyone have experience or knowledge of an M.Ed. Is working experience really important in applying? I have tutored for two years and that's it. My GPA and GRE seems average for UW Madison but they don't specify experience on their stats page.

Thanks!!!

[_kita]

I would say, yes. Work experience is actually one of the most important "flesh out" application factors- especially if you're aiming for a position in anything other than academia or research. Its components like your work experience that demonstrate more of who you are as a candidate. GPA and GREs are necessary for specific quotas for the department kidding work experience can sometimes negate it (One examples of this is University of Penn has a program in their M.Ed Psychology department that doesn't require the GREs as long as you have 3 years work experience), but otherwise are not really centered on.

[watson]

The question is what do you want to do with that masters? Do you want to use it as a way to eventually get into a PhD program in psych? Do you want to go straight into a career after (and doing what?)?

There are "good" schools to get a psych masters in (MA and MS), and we can suggest a few, but it matters what your next steps are. And some masters programs in psych have funding. But, for now I'd say that if your ultimate goal is to get a PhD in psychology, getting a MEd probably isn't the most strategic route there.

[meow123]

thank you guys so much!

The question is what do you want to do with that masters? Do you want to use it as a way to eventually get into a PhD program in psych? Do you want to go straight into a career after (and doing what?)?

There are "good" schools to get a psych masters in (MA and MS), and we can suggest a few, but it matters what your next steps are. And some masters programs in psych have funding. But, for now I'd say that if your ultimate goal is to get a PhD in psychology, getting a MEd probably isn't the most strategic route there.

I plan on getting a job, like in an NGO or education setting if I go for the M. Ed. And if I really like the job and everything I will apply for Ph.D. or Ed.D. after, like in my 40s or something. The one reason I wanted to try M.Ed. is that it's more career oriented than general psych Masters.

My concerns is that I can write my P.S to make that two year of tutoring more "relevant" but it's still different from being a real teacher.......

[_kita]

If you can find something "more relevant" that would be fantastic and definitely improve your chances. Luckily, with the tutoring you're already showing a strong start.